[jkowtko]

I recently swapped out the theater's original Mackie CFX-20 for a Soundcraft LX7, 32 channels.

I would really like to get something with a meter bridge though. The latest booth reconstruction has put me in a central, open-air location with a rather large area to work with, so I can hold a 30" x 50" board without too much difficulty. Here are some options I'm looking at (all are 32 channel):

* Soundcraft Ghost ... one WITH MUTE AUTOMATION and upgraded preamps is available locally for $3k, from someone who has upraded to a vintage, much larger format studio board. Seems like a great buy -- is it? I particarly like the fully parametric mids.

* Soundcraft Series Two? Has adjustable LPF which people seem to like, as well as mute automation. One is also available locally for $3.5k

* Soundcraft Spirit 8 or Live 8? None for sale right now, don't know if it is priced less than the Ghost.

* A&H boards, I don't know of any with channel meter bridges. However the GL2200 and GL2400 have 4-segment LED meters per channel. Not sure if this is sufficient to gauge level readings without constantly soloing. And I know I can get a Gl2400 for just under $2k, and a GL2200 for hundreds less than that ....

* At this point not particularly interested in Mackie 8-bus or Behringer MX9k

* Cannot really go digital because it's a community theater and other laymen will need to use the board without huge amounts of training.

Or is there anything else in the $2-3k range used that I should be looking for instead?

Ideas and opinions will be much appreciated.

Thanks. John